Info
- Band(s): Zeicrydeus
- Label(s): Gates of Hell Records, Nameless Grave Records, Productions TSO
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, Cassette, CD
- Release Year: 2025
- Review Date: September 8, 2025
- Author(s): Dzor
For most Metal musicians, attaining some degree of fluency and skill in the genre they play is a lifelong commitment or one that is difficult to transfer elsewhere for the simple reason that genuinely well-crafted records require nuance. Not just understanding the superficial aspects of what makes something great, such as the HM2 pedal in Swedish Death Metal or the reverb in Incantation, but the subtle characteristics in which these sounds are created and the minute details within the cohort of bands that comprise a certain style. Lucky for us, Phil Tougas is one such musician and has demonstrated his mastery across many projects – from the weirdo Tech/Progressive trappings of Cthe’ilist to the downtrodden Funeral Doom of Atramentus to the shredding madness of First Fragment. Now, he graces us with his own take on Greek Black Metal.
Greek Black Metal (or if you prefer “Hellenic”) is by no means an unknown style of Black Metal, but one that is less popular than the style pioneered in Norway. While more traditional Black Metal retains an icy and gelid atmosphere, the Greeks invert this by playing a more mid-paced variation with riffs more akin to those heard in classic Heavy Metal and a sharper guitar tone that evoke warmness and humidity. Far from detracting from the experience, the foundational records of this style by bands such as Rotting Christ, Varathron and Necromantia oozed an occult and grim atmosphere. Zeicrydeus does much of this, but also by combing through the entire pantheon of bands that played a role in the scene – Agatus, Zemial and Macabre Omen to name a few.
How does this make the band stand out? The first thing that immediately resonates with the listener is how much faster the songs are played compared to the more plodding nature of the classics. The second is the length of the tracks, with every track being roughly 7 minutes or longer (other than the interludes and Thou Art Lord cover at the end). Here Phil draws much from his love of 80s Heavy and Prog Metal, which gives these songs a much more intense and adventurous feel to them. A good example of this is the track ‘Sous l’ombre éternelle des vestiges d’Heghemnon’, which kicks off with a high-paced, galloping riff that could almost pass off as Iron Maiden re-interpreting Hellenic Black Metal.
This does not mean the record does not slow down, in fact it is when the tempo slows down that you the grandeur and majesty of the record. Just listen to the ending of ‘Profane Spells & Naked Swords in the Emerald Meadows of Nhaath’, you feel the power of might of records like ‘Thy Mighty Contract’ and ‘His Majesty at the Swamp’. Even the addition of the brief, sung vocals feel like an homage to the track ‘Exiled Archangels’ – one of Rotting Christ’s staples.
At the beginning of this review, I made mention of the importance of fine details that make you aware of the musician understanding well the genre they’re playing and this record abounds with it. Aside from the riffs, there is an incredible interplay between the guitars and bass in this record. The album has no problem switching between either when it comes to the solo work, drawing simultaneously from the well of Necromantia and Yngwie Malmsteem – see ‘Godsteel’. Phil contorts his vocals to give off this serpentine twist to his shrieks, which only serve to enhance the atmosphere further. Even the drum machine, which has arguably been the weakest part of the original Hellenic releases gains new life here through a nice mixture of playing around with the double-kicks and fills.
A lot of work has also evidently gone into the mixing of the album. This could easily pass off for many people as an enhanced version of what Storm Studios was giving us in the early 90s. Both the guitars and bass have a good weight in the mix, with the synths in the background not overpowering any of the other instruments. The synths themselves are precise and used adequately to draw out the atmosphere further and allowing the album to conjure images of vast landscapes amongst the backdrop of a sunset in the mediterranean.
‘La Grande Heresie’ is a phenomenal record because it understands conventions, but simultaneously adds to the formula in a way that is enriching and respectful to its foundations. If you ever wondered what Hellenic Black Metal would sound like interpreted through the lens of the a Prog/Heavy Metal band, this is the answer. A very ambitious effort and hopefully won’t be a one and done project, this is for those who want regal and ambitious Black Metal.
Zeicrydeus
- Country: Canada
- Style: Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal
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Gates of Hell Records
- Country: Italy
- Style: Black Metal, Speed Metal, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Bandcamp
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Nameless Grave Records
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Instagram, Bandcamp
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Productions TSO
- Country: Canada
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